Diana Nyad makes history with Cuba-Florida swim without shark cage

Diana Nyad swam into the history books Monday, completing a marathon three-day crossing from Cuba to Florida to become the first person to do so without a protective shark cage. The 64-year-old American, who left a Havana yacht club early Saturday, arrived on a Key West beach to realize her lifetime quest after four previous attempts failed amid stormy weather and jellyfish attacks.

"I've got three messages," a visibly exhausted but clearly ecstatic Nyad told cheering crowds as she set foot on dry land.

"One is, we should never, ever give up. Two is, you never are too old to chase your dreams."

"Three is, it looks like a solitary sport but it's a team," Nyad added in a nod to the supporters who shadowed her as she braved the perilous waters.

Initially, the veteran swimmer had hoped to complete the treacherous 100-mile (160-kilometer) trek in 80 hours. But in the end, she did it in 52 hours, 54 minutes and 18.6 seconds, according to her Facebook page.

"Diana Nyad, 64, has successfully and powerfully realized her #XtremeDream," the posting said.

"Her eyes burned with intensity, her body refusing to quit."

she is an inspiration